Agriculture

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.–– The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a workshop in North Platte for farm and ranch landowners, landlords and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate, and best practices for managing or leasing land...

LINCOLN, Neb. — A photo of a duck by Sofie Farr of Farnam will grace the December page of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s special 2025 poultry calendar. The calendar, which includes important biosecurity information that poultry owners can use to protect their flocks, can be viewed, and downloaded from NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian. Winning entries were announced and displayed at this year’s Nebraska State Fair...

McCOOK, Neb. — Local beef cattle producers are invited to join the Nebraska Cattlemen Southwest affiliate for an informative meeting on Thursday, September 19. The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Blaine Lowe of Beef Veterinarian Insights, who will discuss the critical role of Vitamin A supplements in cows during the fall and winter seasons, particularly before calving...

Tucker Stagemeyer, Page, left, and Kaedin Waugh, McCook, right, represented Nebraska at the 2024 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 4-5 in Madison, Wis. Forty-two youth from across the country competed for top honors in the 58th annual event...

McCOOK, Neb. — This year we recognize the 50th year of Ecofallow farming in Southwest Nebraska. This has been one of the most successful research projects to emerge from Nebraska Extension. This success was due to a great collaboration with extension professionals, university researchers and local growers. ...

CURTIS, Neb. — The NCTA Crops Judging Team opened their season on a high note by placing first in the 2-year college division. The competition was held on Saturday, February 24, at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS. Agronomy Professor Dr. ...

McCOOK Neb. - McCook Farm and Ranch Expo has an estimated 350 vendors from 20 states, Canada, and Australia. Livewire Fence Supply from Culbertson Neb. is one of them.  Livewire Fence Supply owner Jake Miller says, “The expo is a great opportunity for us because our shop is located six miles north of Culbertson just off the ranch where we’re fixing all of our equipment and everything in the same shop we sell out of.” He added “It’s an undertaking for us to bring this much stuff here. ...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. — The pre-game chili dog meal needed some “fresh air” to get Arapahoe’s machine rolling Thursday evening. So how about a little aerial attack against the physical Hemingford Bobcats in this D-1 state playoff opener? “We haven’t been throwing the ball enough the last couple of games,” coach Dustin Kronhofman said. “But we certainly can throw it.”...

BENKELMAN, Neb. - In an effort to address a few of the challenges faced by the cattle industry, Dr. Tom Noffsinger of Benkelman has been championing the use of low-stress cattle handling techniques. Using an innovative approach, Noffsinger aims to improve the well-being and performance of cattle while also increasing the safety of both the cattle and the people handling them...

INDIANOLA, Neb. — I have quite a few rattlesnake episodes from over the years to tell.  Most folks that don’t spend a lot of time in our local pastures probably don’t realize just how many venomous snakes we have around here.  If one has seen the pain inflicted on cattle, horses, dogs, and cats, they would understand why I make a point to dispatch them if I have a safe opportunity.  ...

WASHINGTON – A Cambridge woman is one of 15 new members appointed to the National Advisory Comittee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. She is Desiree Claire Ann Wineland – American Butchers LLC / Beyond the Butchers of Cambridge, Neb. Members of the committee are chosen based on their expertise in meat and poultry safety, public health, and other Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) policies...

LEAD 42 Recruiting drive underway for future ag leadership class Lincoln, Neb. — The director of a program designed to cultivate future agricultural leaders visited McCook Thursday on his annual recruiting trip, this year for the 42nd class. Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 42 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Stops in North Platte and McCook are among stops in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources listening tour in April and May. The listening tour, which will kick off on Tuesday, April 3, will present an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts and visions for the future of Nebraska, their communities, and the state’s agriculture industry with university leadership including Mike Boehm, NU vice president for agriculture and Harlan vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. ...

Fond memories of horses we had known INDIANOLA, Neb. — One of our daughters had a four-year-old gelding named Howard that was pretty gentle and had a lot of “try” but didn’t have a zillion training miles.  Farmer Tom had a bull out in the neighbor’s pasture, and he took a couple of buddies with horses over to try and get him in.  ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started mailing ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Red Willow-Frontier County FSA office or postmarked by Dec. 5, 2022...

McCOOK, Neb.- The McCook Farm & Ranch Expo will return to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19, 2022. “We look forward to filling the Red Willow County Fairgrounds again. The McCook Farm & Ranch Expo is a great place to come see the newest and latest in farming and ranching technology practices,” said Darren Dale, show owner. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. – Global Processing Inc. of Kanawha, Iowa, surrendered its Nebraska Grain Dealer License to the Nebraska Public Service Commission on Wednesday. The company owns and operates facilities in both Lexington and Haigler. On Oct. 7, members of the PSC grain Department conducted an examination of the Haigler and Lexington facilities followed by a detailed accounting of the company’s financial records which determined Global Processing, Inc., was operating with insufficient funds to cover its grain purchases in Nebraska.. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Soybean Board is pleased to announce the hiring of Wesley Wach as demand and utilization coordinator. In his position, Wach will handle the development of the demand and utilization programs that NSB invests the checkoff into each year...

HOLDREGE, Neb. — Free Nebraska Extension “Managing Grass, Cattle and Crops” Question and Answer educational sessions will be provided on Thursday, June 2, according to extension officials. The first session will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Commons Area at the Arapahoe High School (610 Walnut St., Arapahoe, Neb.) Then, the second session will begin at 4 p.m. on the Harlan County Fair Grounds (4-H / Community Building, Orleans, Neb.)...

McCOOK, Neb.. — Red Willow-Frontier County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Kenneth Carriker reminds livestock producers of program resources to assist those impacted by 2021 drought conditions. The deadline to apply and complete paperwork for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 31, 2022...

CURTIS, Neb. - The second Aggie Discovery Day of autumn is Monday, Nov. 15 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. “Prospective college students and their parents or friends who attend Discovery Day can learn a lot about the college, people and programs in just a few hours at our campus,” says Braden Johnson...

CURTIS, Neb. – A North Dakota couple can relate to limited availability of rangeland for livestock grazing in parts of southwest and western Nebraska. Josh and Tara Dukart, who own and manage the Seek First Ranch in western North Dakota, are speakers with the 2021 Nebraska Grazing Land Traveling Road Show which will be Wednesday evening (Nov. 10) in Curtis...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Farm, Ranch, & Hemp Expo will return to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds with new dates, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20. “Moving to the weekend will allow for more attendees to attend and increase visibility to show products and services,” said Tana Dale, Star Expos Owner...

McCOOK, Neb. — The national convention for Women Involved in Farm Economics is set for the Cobblestone Motel Nov. 3-5 in McCook. The location was selected by National WIFE President Jennifer Steen of Stratton to celebrate 45 years of WIFE. Women from across the nation will meet to elect officers, determine policy and programs for 2022, educate themselves on agriculture issues, listen to speakers and tour local businesses of interest. ...

LINCOLN, Ncb. — A Fairbury man was elected chairman of the Nebraska Wheat Board and a Stratton man vice-chairman at a meeting of the board Aug. 24 in North Platte. Mark Knobel of Fairbury was elected as the Chair of the NWB for 2021-2022. Mark was re-appointed to the board in 2019 by Gov. ...

Three Farnam photographers have won recognition for their work in the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Poultry Photo contest. Open to Nebraska 4-H and FFA members, the contest highlights the diversity of the poultry industry in Nebraska. They are Elisa Oberg, Janae Oberg and Jon Oberg, all of Farnam. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – Red Willow-Frontier County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Kenneth Carriker is reminding area producers that accurate and timely reporting of acres for all crops and land uses is an FSA program eligibility requirement. He is encouraging Red Willow and Frontier County producers to communicate with the FSA office as soon as possible regarding the spring acreage reporting process...

Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska McCook, Neb. -- A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet February 23rd at 1:30 pm. Due to Covid restrictions, the LWG meeting will be held virtually. If you are interested in attending this meeting virtually, contact Jason Kennedy at 308-345-4163 ext. 3...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) “Look Up, Look Out” tour event scheduled for Friday, September 25 at Red Willow County Fairgrounds has been canceled, however, NPPD, Nebraska Extension, and UNMC Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) are still partnering together to spread awareness about potential dangers as harvest season approaches...

LINCOLN, Neb. – Members of the Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) classes 38 and 39, will pause their programming and resume in the fall of 2021. The Nebraska Agriculture Leadership Council (NALC) Board of Directors unanimously decided to postpone seminars and other programming for members who are involved in production agriculture and agribusiness for the 2020-2021 year...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Customers of the Red Willow-Frontier County’s USDA Service Center in McCook may now conduct business in person in the office by appointment only. Visitors will be pre-screened based on health concerns or recent travel and must adhere to social distancing guidelines. According to local guidelines, Face coverings are encouraged but not required for in-office appointments...

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. ...

CURTIS, Neb. – Coming from the national stage in Denver last month, the NCTA Stock Dog Team returns to familiar surroundings of their home arena in Frontier County The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Stock Dog Team again joins the Outback Stock Dog Association in hosting a two-day trial at the NCTA campus in Curtis Feb. 22-23...

CURTIS, Neb. -- The Middle Republican NRD is pleased to announce that agricultural producers have the opportunity to receive conservation funding.  In 2016, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs $2.1 million as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and approximately $500,000 remain for funding in 2020. Eligible producers have until January 17, 2020 to apply for funding...

McCook, Neb. -- Nebraska Extension and USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Red Willow-Frontier County will host a Farm Bill education meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Red Willow County Fairgrounds – McCook Neb. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. and go through 4:30 p.m. All area producers are invited to attend this free informational event...

McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook Farm, Ranch & Hemp Expo will return to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 20-21, 2019. "We are excited to fill the fairgrounds. The McCook Farm, Ranch, & Hemp Expo is a great place to come see the newest and latest in farming and ranching technology practices," said Darren Dale, show owner. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Extension will host its second annual Crop Production Roadshow in January. The roadshow is a series of meetings across west-central Nebraska focusing on production issues and research updates specific to the region. Extension educators will present updates on a number of topics, including soil improvements, cover crops, nutrient management, weed identification, herbicide strategies, and crop marketing and trends. ...

CURTIS, Neb. – A lifelong dream for a Sandhills cowgirl is coming true. Eva Oliver, an NCTA Aggie, receives her crown and official title as Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2019 on January 5 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine. Oliver graduated in May, 2018 from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis with an associate of science degree in veterinary technology...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A three-session program to help women thrive in the modern farm industry is set for North Platte. Annie’s Project – Education for Farm Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational programs (Annie’s Projects) designed to strengthen women’s in the modern farm enterprise.  Annie’s Projects foster problem solving, record keeping, and decision-making skills in farm women. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Veronica Waddell of Indianola and Aaron Weismann of Maywood are among participants in Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 38, according to program director Terry Hejny. The two-year program will begin in September...

CURTIS, Neb. - A college recruiter’s nationwide career in the cattle industry is a bonus at the “ag college” in Curtis. Cattle genetics, livestock shows and beef education for consumers create an ideal skill set in outreach and marketing for Emily Griffiths, recently named recruiting coordinator at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis...

McCOOK, Neb. — Don’t depend on the government to sell American agriculture to the world, Sen. Deb Fischer told producers Wednesday. At a round table discussion in McCook, Dave Dahlgren of Holdrege, representing corn producers, asked “How can we go to our critics and sell ourselves as the infrastructure of America?...

CULBERTSON, Neb. — The warm sunshine Wednesday afternoon felt good to Gordon Gessleman of Culbertson, hosting his 30th annual spring-time farm equipment consignment auction. And things were selling well. “They’re selling real good … real good,” Gessleman said. “The livestock equipment’s selling well, and we’re getting along real well on the vehicles.”...

EDISON, Neb. — The Board of Directors of Ag Valley Cooperative is pleased to announce that Kent Taylor has been selected to serve as the cooperative's Chief Executive Officer effective Jan. 1, 2018. Taylor will succeed Ron Hunter. Taylor has been the President and CEO at Farmers & Ranchers Cooperative in Ainsworth, Nebraska for the past 8 years...

McCOOK, Neb. — Gov. Pete Ricketts will be in McCook Friday visiting American Agricultural Laboratory as part of the Governor’s Cup tour, which honors recent economic development projects. The 3:45 p.m. lab visit is the Governor’s last scheduled stop Friday. He kicks off the morning with a ribbon cutting in Endicott before traveling to a 1 p.m. tour of BluePrint Engines in Kearney and then on to McCook, according to his public schedule released earlier this week...

CURTIS, Neb. — With drought conditions returning to Southwest Nebraska, Natural Resources Districts are seeking volunteers to help keep track of what rain we do receive. Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts were created in 1972 for conservation and preservation of our natural resources...

McCOOK, Neb. — Dryland wheat yields in the 60-to-70 bushels per acre range are being reported as the harvest in Southwest Kansas and Northwest Kansas moves past the halfway point in the Golden Plains of America. “For the most part, yields are excellent,” said Randy Peters, whose family has extensive wheat acreage in Red Willow and Hitchcock counties. ...

MPERIAL, Neb. — Good test weights and decent protein reports are reported as the first loads of wheat start arriving at grain elevators in Southwest Nebraska. Kyle Sorensen, vice president of grain for Frenchman Valley Farmers Co-op, said Wednesday that harvest activity is under way in Dundy, Chase, Hitchcock and Red Willow counties, and — weather permitting — the cutting pace will pick up in the days to come...

CONNIE JO DISCOE Regional Editor McCOOK, Neb. — Forty to 50 years ago, Dutch elm disease killed elm trees across the country, and homeowners and landscapers went looking for a fast-growing tree to provide the same abundant shade as the elm trees. They planted ash trees...

What does it cost to rent pasture or cropland this year? Every year I get those questions! Preliminary results from the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey (UNL) were just released which can give guidance for current rental rates. Also, a survey of Red Willow and Hitchcock County rental rates was just completed. This article will cover both surveys and cropland and pasture rental rates...

Runnells, Iowa -- A college sophomore with the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture earned two fifth-place awards in livestock judging last week at the Iowa Beef Expo. Emilye Vales, an agricultural education major from DeWitt, Neb., placed fifth overall individual and also was fifth in oral reasons among 126 students from 2-year colleges...

Brad Wiese runs a windrower through alfalfa near Max Tuesday afternoon, diffusing that earthy, grassy aroma on a gentle breeze. There are companies that sell "Fresh-Cut Alfalfa," "Baling Hay" and "Alfalfa and Sweet Clover" scented candles.

PALISADE, Neb. -- The wheat harvest in Hitchcock and Red Willow counties is off to a sensational start, with early yields ranging from 60 to 110 bushels an acre. Those kinds of yields -- if they continue -- could make the 2016 wheat harvest the most productive in Southwest Nebraska history...

McCOOK, Neb. -- While the thunder cracked, the lightning flashed, and the hail pounded, close to 50 area farmers clustered inside Randy Peters' spacious seed production building last Friday evening, hearing a pre-harvest update from plant breeders and seed company representatives...

GENE O. MORRIS McCook Gazette McCOOK, Neb. -- For the wheatgrowers of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, there is some really good news ... and there is some really bad news heading into the final few days before the Harvest of 2016. First, the good news. ...

ST. FRANCIS, Kan. -- Callicrate Cattle Co., of St. Francis will host a worldwide leader in regenerative agriculture for an in-depth 10-day training and design course for farmers, gardeners, landscapers and anyone interested in creating a healthy, resilient environment...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nik Johanson of Palisade, Miles Morgan of McCook and Terry Julesgard of Butte have been accepted as members of the Class VI of the Water Leaders Academy. Sessions feature classroom and field trip experiences presented experts in leadership and natural resource topics held at locations across the state...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Nebraska and Colorado Extension Educators plan a series of meetings in nine locations across western Nebraska and eastern Colorado -- four in Southwest Nebraska -- to focus on the changing beef industry. Last year was not as good as 2014, according to the Extension Educators. ...

GRANT, Neb. -- Corn harvest proceeded slowly but yields are good, according to Strahinija Stepanovic, cropping systems extension educator in Perkins, Chase and Dundy counties. Slowed by wet conditions, corn harvest started mid-September with picking high-moisture corn and some farmers are still trying to get it out of the field...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Darren Dale just picks a date and goes with it. Dale, the manager of the annual "McCook Farm and Ranch Expo" on the fairgrounds, wasn't fazed by weather that most considered, in one word, "bad." After scraping off six to eight inches of snow Wednesday morning and dodging the rain drops that fell Wednesday afternoon, Darren was philosophical about it all. "I just pick a date and go for it," he said, with a grin...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new drone under development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln could change the way wildfires are fought -- and encourage the use of prescribed burns for conservation purposes. The Unmanned Aerial System for Fire Fighting is under development by a multidisciplinary team of UNL experts in drone technology, fire ecology, conservation and public policy...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Red Willow-Frontier County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Kenneth Carriker, announced that the nomination period for local FSA county committees began on June 15, 2015. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the Red Willow-Frontier County FSA Office by close of business on Aug. 3, 2015...

After an unusually mild and wet spring -- McCook is .9 of an inch ahead of normal precip -- we've moved right into summer-type weather, hitting 96 degrees about 7 p.m. Tuesday. There are alternatives to sweating through the summer or eating peanut butter sandwiches to be able afford paying your electric bill, according to the Nebraska Public Power District...

Curtis, Neb. -- Get your green thumbs ready and gardening tools out of the shed -- the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Spring Plant Sale will be May 2 and May 7 in Curtis. NCTA horticulture students were planting basil and other herbs when new University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds stopped by the greenhouse April 14 during his "Getting to Know Nebraska Tour."...

CURTIS, Neb. -- Gardeners and local foods producers can again rent a garden plot for the 2015 season at the NCTA Community Garden in Curtis. Horticulture Club students sponsor the garden plots located at the west end of the old football field, said Tee Bush, horticulture professor. Plots are ready to use now...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Red Willow-Frontier County Director Kenneth Carriker, today reminds producers of upcoming important deadlines for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres is Feb. 27, 2015, and the final day for farm owners and producers to choose coverage is March 31, 2015...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service has $100 million available this year through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). CSP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their agricultural and forestry land...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A local farm bureau representative hopes jail time is handed down in a Red Willow County felony case involving the killing and butchering of a heifer. Richard Neel with the Red Willow County Farm Bureau issued an open letter to Red Willow Count Attorney Paul Wood last week stating his position...

OMAHA, Neb. -- Consumers are becoming more involved in food choices and urban gardening. Farmer's markets number more than 8,100 nationwide, nearly doubling over the past five years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Community leaders and existing business owners in the Omaha area are seeing increased need for agricultural education opportunities which target aspiring entrepreneurs who are starting their own urban ag enterprises...

CURTIS, Neb. -- Agricultural outlook and management decisions for farmers and ranchers will be featured at the NCTA campus in Curtis from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. The 10th annual Cornhusker Economics Outlook coordinated by the University of Nebraska is being held at five locations across the state this month, said Paul Clark, NCTA assistant professor of agricultural business management...

McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook Farm & Ranch Expo will return to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 19-20, 2014. There will be a free producer breakfast on Wednesday Nov. 19 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The show opens at 9 a.m. both days and closes at 7 p.m. the first day and 4 p.m. the second. Admission and parking are free...

CURTIS, Neb. -- Students exploring colleges can discover the role of agricultural science and technology in their future careers Monday at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. The two-year college's Discovery Days will feature a new format on Oct. 13, and again on March 9, 2015, for high school and college transfer students, or non-traditional students seeking technical training or new careers...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging producers who have suffered eligible disaster-related losses to act to secure assistance by Sept. 30, 2014, as congressionally mandated payment reductions will take place for producers who have not acted before that date.

Kenneth Carriker, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Director, is reminding livestock producers to apply for Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program (LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) benefits.

CURTIS --North of the main campus on a college farm laboratory, agriculture students in a new irrigation technician training program at Curtis can now put their hands on the latest center-pivot technology. On Thursday, with a full complement of volunteers from various regional dealerships and cooperators, Reinke Manufacturing of Deshler, Neb., donated and installed an on-farm teaching tool at the University of Nebraska-Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. - Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced that Dundy County has been designated as a primary natural disaster area due to the ongoing drought affecting Nebraska. Dundy County was declared a Secretarial Disaster on May 21, 2014, based on the U.S. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Cattle producers know that a consistent supply of drinkable water, along with the proper nutritious feeds, are critical to their animals' well-being -- and to the bottom line for their business. However, there can be some serious hazards lurking in that water and food, so knowing about their presence -- and specifically what they are -- can protect ranchers' investments.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Paul Schaffert of Indianola was recently inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. Schaffert, a farmer in Southwest Nebraska for more than 40 years, has played an integral part in the agricultural industry. He was one of the early adaptors and supporters of the eco­fallow farming system, and produces innovative planter and drill attachments that are sold on a national and international level. ...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, urges producers who want to purchase 2014 protection through the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to do so before the sales closing date of March 17, 2014. The sales closing date is actually Saturday, March 15, 2014, but producers have until Monday, March 17, 2014, to purchase coverage this year...

CURTIS, Nebraska -- Of all the issues facing Southwest Nebraska, nothing comes close to being as crucial as what's being done to protect the quality and quality of the region's water supply. For that reason, the 28th Annual Southwest Nebraska Water Conference -- scheduled Friday, March 7, at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Room in McCook -- has taken on added significance. ...

BIG SPRINGS, Nebraska -- The Farmers Co-op Elevator Association of Big Springs membership voted to merge with Ag Valley Coop on Thursday. The merger will take place on March 1, 2014. "Ag Valley Coop Board, Management and Staff are pleased to welcome the members of Farmers Co-op in Big Springs to become part of the Ag Valley Cooperative family. ...

During the annual meeting of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers in Kearney on Jan. 25, from left, Ken Kircher, Bob Haag and Albert Hayes, members of the Red Willow County, Nebraska, fair board, accept plaques and pins honoring them for 35 years each as fair board members. ...

Curtis, Nebraska -- Two NCTA livestock judging teams gained new experiences recently as they competed at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Sophomore Blake Hodson of Curtis garnered 20th place overall in the cattle carload contest, and was in the top 20 of the NWSS Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow-Frontier County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Kenneth Carriker announced that County Offices of the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) are distributing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) annual rental payments to participants this week. Payments originally were scheduled to be issued earlier in the month, but were delayed due to the lapse in Federal funding...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Dan Steinkruger announced that USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is distributing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) annual rental payments to participants this week. Payments originally were scheduled to be issued earlier in the month, but were delayed due to the lapse in Federal funding...

LANDOWNERS SHOULD APPLY NOW FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION FUNDS Those interested in applying natural resource conservation measures on their farm or ranch are encouraged to sign up for program dollars by Nov. 15th. LINCOLN -- October 18, 2013 -- Farmers and ranchers interested in soil, water and wildlife conservation are encouraged to sign up now for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). ...

Kittens Majic Doll, owned by Mary and Roger Bennett of rural McCook, won first place in the 5-10-year-old mare division and grand champion mare over all at the FQHR (Foundation Quarter Horse Registry) Horse Show on Friday, Aug. 23, in Grand Island. She was shown by the Bennetts' daughter-in-law, Kelly Bennett, and their grandson, Cauy Bennett, both of Elwood. Cauy won the youth ranch pleasure class on her. Shown with their silver buckles are, from left, Kelly, Cauy, Mary and Roger Bennett...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Red Willow-Frontier Farm Service Agency in McCook was selected as the "2012 Outstanding FSA Office of the Year" by the Nebraska State FSA. Nebraska FSA State Director Dan Steinkruger, who was appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama, presented a recognition plaque to the McCook office Thursday afternoon and praised their service to local farmers and ranchers...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Dan Steinkruger reminds Nebraska producers of the opportunity to enroll in the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP). The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for DCP, among other Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) programs, through 2013. ...

PAXTON, Nebraska -- For the first time in its history, the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska has surpassed $2 million in proceeds. Officials for the 2013 Cattlemen's Ball have announced that the net proceeds from this year's event in Paxton-Sutherland were $2.12 million -- exceeding the previous record by some $600,000. All of the money stays in Nebraska to support cancer research and local health and wellness programs...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A Farm Estate and Transition Planning workshop will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 28 in McCook. There is no charge for the workshop and a lunch will be provided. To register (and for questions), call the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or the Red Willow County Extension Office at 308-345-3390 by March 22 to reserve a spot...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Nebraska's growing grape industry is feeling the burn of chemical drift. Nebraska can grow some varieties that other parts of the country can't, said Alan Vybiral, president of the Nebraska Wine and Grape Grower Association. But last year, Barton Holmquist a grape grower near Eagle, Neb., lost three tons of grapes or about $3,000 because of suspected 2,4-D spray drift from a neighbor. ...

INDIANAPOLIS -- The National FFA Organization announced that Nicholas Cole of McCook, Nebraska, was selected to receive a Keystone Steel and Wire-Red Brand grant in the amount of $1,000 to initiate or improve Nicholas's career development experience known as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- UNL Extension is teaming up with Monsanto/DEKALB and the four Natural Resources Districts in the Republican Basin to offer a free educational program to help producers cope with limited water supplies. The meetings will be held at three locations: Feb. 11 at the Fairgrounds in Imperial; Feb. 12 at the Fairgrounds in McCook; and Feb. 13 at the Ag Center in Holdrege...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The United States is the world's largest producer of sorghum as animal feed, but the growing interest in "gluten-free" foods for humans is making it popular for baking as well. Bakers are finding more and more uses and recipes for "sweet" sorghum kernels, sorghum berries and sorghum flour...

In September 2007, then retired producer/elevator operator Wayne Allen of rural McCook said that drought resistance is the biggest reason producers on the Golden Plains grow milo, a native South African grass first introduced in the United States in the late nineteenth century. ...

Al Dutcher, climatologist with the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, tells those at the 2013 "Sorghum Profitability" seminar Tuesday morning in McCook, Nebraska, that yes, the drought that menaces the High Plains will persist into 2013. ...